A civil rights leader -Rosa parksBy: Yassin Haizoun

Rosa Parks

The Early Years

Rosa Parks was born on February 4, 1913 in Tuskegee, Alabama. She moved with her parents James and Leona McCauley to Pine Level, Alabama at the age of 2 to live with Leona's parents. Her, brother named Sylvester was born in 1915 shortly after her parents became separated. Rosa moved to the city of Montgomery, Alabama at the age of 11. She eventually attended a high school named the Alabama State Teacher's college for Negroes. She left the high school at 16 in 11th grade to take care of her dying grandmother and eventually her chronically ill mother. In 1932 she married Raymond Parks a barber that had been working with the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP). In 1943 she became a full member of the (NAACP) to push for greater racial equality.

The Montgomery Bus incident

On December 1, 1955 4 days before the Montgomery Bus Boycott began Rosa parks was riding a bus in Montgomery, Alabama. Soon a few white passengers boarded the bus. The bus driver told Parks and a couple other African Americans to give up their seat for the white passengers. All the others gave up their seats except for Rosa Parks. Shortly after she was arrested and fined $10 plus $4 in court costs. Parks later on said "the only tired I was, was tired of giving in." This event helped start the civil rights movement and the Montgomery Bus Boycott.

The Montgomery Bus Boycott

The Montgomery Bus Boycott started on December 5, 1955 4 days after Rosa Parks was arrested for refusing to give up her seat on a bus. The African Americans in the city of Montgomery, Alabama refused to ride buses and instead walked, biked, or carpooled with others to get to places. Eventually on December 21, 1956 the day after the Montgomery Bus Boycott ended. The U.S supreme court integrated Montgomery, Alabama's buses. Although the buses were integrated there was resistance and violence.

African Americans Boycotting Buses

Accomplishments And Impact on Society

Rosa Parks accomplished many things during her life. In 1943 she joined the (NAACP) to push for racial equality. 12 years later Rosa Parks started the civil rights movement in 1955. Many years later Parks and her husband co-founded the institute of self development in 1987. Shortly after Parks was awarded the medal of freedom, the highest honor an american civilian can received. After that Rosa Parks received the medal of honor in 1999. Rosa Parks effected today's society because when she didn't give up her seat on the bus she stood up against segregation and helped end it in the United States forever.

Conclusion

In conclusion Rosa Parks changed America forever by refusing to give up her seat to white man on a bus in Montgomery, Alabama. She was found guilty of disorderly conduct and was arrested which led to the Montgomery Bus Boycott. The boycott lasted for 381 days, and finally on December 21, 1956 the U.S supreme court integrated Montgomery's bus system. Civil rights leader Rosa Parks was above reproach, and people couldn't find fault in her character. Parks died on October 4, 2005 at the age of 92. Rosa Parks will be remembered forever as the person who helped end segregation in America. Rosa Parks is a hero and she is courageous.